Blue Planet Aquarium is a must-visit for families, nature lovers and anyone looking for a great day out in Cheshire.
This amazing aquarium will transport you into the ocean’s depths where you can see the incredible marine life.
This blog will explore what makes Blue Planet Aquarium so special, its features, exhibits and activities.
The Aquarium’s Features
Blue Planet Aquarium has many exhibits showcasing the amazing world of marine life.
The 360-degree acrylic tunnel lets you walk through and be surrounded by marine life, including sharks, rays, and tropical fish.
This is an immersive experience that makes you feel like you are part of the underwater world.
- Underwater Walkthrough Tunnel: This tunnel is a visual and engineering marvel with over 70 metres of acrylic glass. As you walk through, you’ll see sharks including sand tiger sharks swimming above and alongside you. The tunnel simulates an ocean environment, so it’s a thrilling and educational experience.
- Aqua Theatre: This feature hosts daily diving shows, where trained divers interact with sharks and rays in front of a live audience. It’s a great way to learn more about these amazing creatures as the divers provide commentary on what they are doing and how they are interacting with the tank. The shows are educational and entertaining and give insights into marine biology and underwater ecosystems.
Exhibits and Marine Life
The aquarium has over 100 living displays with species from around the world.
Some of the highlights are:
- Shark Encounter: Get face-to-face with these amazing predators and learn about their habitats and conservation. The exhibit has different shark species including blacktip reef sharks, nurse sharks and sand tiger sharks. Information panels tell you about the threats sharks face in the wild, including habitat destruction and finning, and why marine conservation is important.
- Sea Stars and Sea Urchins: Explore the world of echinoderms and learn about the unique characteristics and adaptations of these marine animals. This interactive exhibit allows you to touch and feel different sea stars and sea urchins with the help of knowledgeable staff, it’s a favourite among children and adults.
- Tropical Ocean Display: Be transported to the warm waters of the tropics and see the amazing colours and diversity of marine life. This exhibit has a stunning coral reef habitat with Clownfish, Regal Tangs and Anthias. It highlights the importance of coral reefs as part of the ocean ecosystem and the work being done to protect and restore them.
- Venomous Creatures: This exhibit features some of the ocean’s most deadly inhabitants including lionfish, stonefish and venomous snakes. You’ll learn about the defence mechanisms these creatures use in the wild and their role in their ecosystem.
Interactive Activities and Events
Blue Planet Aquarium has a range of interactive activities and events for all ages.
These include:
- Feeding Demonstrations: Observe the feeding of various marine species and learn about their diets and ecosystem roles. Scheduled feedings, including sharks, rays, and piranhas, allow you to see these animals in action and understand their behaviour and dietary needs.
- Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Take a behind-the-scenes tour to see the aquarium’s operations, including animal feeding, care, filtration systems, food preparation, and veterinary facilities. These tours offer insight into the daily efforts to maintain the health of marine animals.
- Conservation Workshops: Join our conservation workshops and learn about the importance of protecting our oceans and what you can do to make a difference. Workshops cover topics such as sustainable fishing practices, plastic pollution and coral reef restoration and give you the knowledge to support ocean conservation.
- Interactive Touch Pools: These pools allow visitors, especially children, to gently handle and learn about different marine animals like starfish, crabs and small rays. It’s a hands-on educational experience that encourages curiosity and respect for marine life.
Educational Value
Blue Planet Aquarium is not just a fun day out but also an educational one.
The aquarium offers educational programs and resources aligned with the national curriculum, ideal for school trips and educational groups.
- School Programs and Workshops: Programs are tailored to key stages of the UK National Curriculum and cover topics such as marine biology, environmental science and geography. These programs will give you a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems and conservation.
- Teacher Resources: The aquarium has downloadable resources for teachers including lesson plans, activity sheets and interactive videos to help prepare for the visit and integrate into the broader curriculum.
- Outreach and Community Engagement: Blue Planet Aquarium partners with local schools and communities to bring marine education into classrooms, inspiring early interest in marine science.
Accessibility and Facilities
The aquarium is fully accessible for all with wheelchair and pushchair access throughout.
Additional facilities include a café serving hot and cold food and drinks and a gift shop, where you can buy souvenirs and marine-themed items.
- Accessibility Features: Blue Planet Aquarium has ramps, elevators and accessible toilets to accommodate visitors with mobility issues. The Aqua Theatre and key exhibits have designated viewing areas, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience.
- Visitor Comfort: The aquarium has seating areas throughout the facility for visitors to rest and take in the surroundings. The café offers a range of dining options including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals to cater for different dietary needs.
- Family Facilities: Baby changing facilities, stroller rentals and designated picnic areas make the aquarium suitable for families with young children. The gift shop offers marine-themed books, toys, and souvenirs, so you can take home a piece of the experience.
Visit
Blue Planet Aquarium in Cheshire is a must-see for those interested in marine life, conservation, or a fun educational day out.
With its unique features, varied exhibits and interactive activities this aquarium is an experience you will never forget.
With immersive tunnels, live demonstrations, educational workshops and conservation initiatives, Blue Planet Aquarium has it all.
So, book your visit today and get underwater!
Blue Planet Aquarium FAQs
How long does it take to get around Blue Planet Aquarium?
2-3 hours is the average visit time to Blue Planet Aquarium. However, this can vary depending on how much you want to see and do. Allow extra time to participate in the interactive activities and behind-the-scenes tours for a more in-depth experience.
Does Blue Planet Aquarium offer discounts?
Yes, Blue Planet Aquarium offers discounts for NHS staff, students, seniors and group bookings. Please bring your valid ID or proof of eligibility to receive the discounted rate.
Can I bring my pet to the Blue Planet Aquarium?
No, pets are not allowed inside Blue Planet Aquarium, except for assistance dogs. This is to ensure the safety and comfort of both visitors and the marine life on display. Assistance dogs are allowed throughout the aquarium and water bowls are available on request.
Is there parking at the Blue Planet Aquarium?
Yes, there is on-site parking for visitors. The car park can accommodate all vehicle sizes including coaches for group visits. Parking is included in the ticket price so everyone can park for free.